Correction
Two weeks ago, my office published a newsletter that stated that HB 4088 increases taxpayer funding for abortions and transgender services. That was incorrect; the bill does not directly increase the funding for these things, and I want to thank Delores Porch for pointing out the error to us. Given the Democrats' priority of spending your tax dollars in these areas, they would be hard-pressed to find more ways to increase spending on them.
However, the rest of the description of that bill was correct. It does make Oregon a sanctuary state for people who facilitate illegal abortions and transgender services in other states. The broad language of HB 4088 may also impair parents’ ability to safeguard their children across state lines. The bill could shield adults who facilitate a minor’s travel without parental consent, provided that such actions were undertaken for the purpose of assisting the minor in obtaining “gender-affirming care.”
Read Do No Harm's testimony, a coalition of healthcare providers that are seeking to keep identity politics out of medical education, research, and clinical practice, here. I expect this bill to come to the House Floor this week, and I will strongly oppose it. A New York jury recently awarded $2 million to a patient who said that doctors had deviated from accepted medical standards when helping her transition as a minor. We shouldn't be trying to protect these practices as a state.
This week, Democrats imposed their will on Oregonians. It was one of the most brazen and purest forms of political power I have ever experienced in this building.
Democrats are trying to rig the gas tax referendum vote by moving it from the November ballot to the May ballot. Senate President Rob Wagner admitted it is purely political, as Kotek and her Democrat allies don't want to appear on the same ballot as their unpopular tax hike.
Last night, Democrats ignored the 250,000 Oregonians who signed a petition to refer the gas tax to the November general election, and they passed SB 1599 out of committee on a straight partisan vote. The bill will change the election date and several other election rules to ensure they get their way. Because if the rules don't work for your agenda, just change them, right?
I'm furious. I can't express how angry I am about how little regard Democrats have for Oregon voters. They are staring you straight in the eye and saying, "Too bad, we know better." They cry all the time about "democracy," but when it comes to democracy's purest form, the referendum process, they don't give one single damn if it isn't convenient for them.
I joined my fellow Republicans in voting against their election rigging bill last night. I was appointed to the committee at the last moment when they realized it had violated their own legislative rules by not having the correct proportion of Republicans to Democrats. Because, again, who needs rules, right? I am glad they remembered how to do math, but I am appalled at their brazen disregard for the process and for the people of Oregon.
We will continue to do whatever we have to do make them listen to the people. The numbers don't lie - watch me walk through the numbers here. Oregonians oppose this election rigging. Nearly 99% of people who submitted testimony on SB 1599 were opposed. They passed the bill out of committee anyway.
What's next?
The Senate will vote on the bill on Tuesday if everything goes according to their plan. Contact (call and email) these senators and tell them to vote NO:
Jeff Golden (D) - Sen.JeffGolden@oregonlegislature.gov | 503-986-1703
Chris Gorsek (D) - Sen.ChrisGorsek@oregonlegislature.gov | 503-986-1725
Deb Patterson (D) - Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov | 503-986-1710
Mark Meek (D) - Sen.MarkMeek@oregonlegislature.gov | 503-986-1720
Janeen Sollman (D) - Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov | 503-986-1715
Ron Wagner (D) - Sen.RobWagner@oregonlegislature.gov | 503-986-1600
Do not give up. If the bill passes the Senate, it will head over to the House. We will have another chance to stop it. But until then, make sure these Senators hear from you!
Floor Letter - Day 5: Note the November date in the yellow highlighted circle.
In other news:
Oregon Democrats' supermajority is laser-focused on the wrong fights, like infringing on Constitutional rights by jacking up gun permit fees from $65 to $150 under HB 4145 - while doubling wait times to 60 days and exempting retired cops from magazine bans - as their top priority amid plunging job vacancies and unemployment hitting 5.2%, leaving 2.4 jobless Oregonians chasing every opening. This bill is working it's way to the House Floor where I will be opposing it strongly.
Meanwhile, Gov. Tina Kotek, is again one of the least popular governors in America. A title she has come by honestly, scratching and clawing for the honor by pushing some of the most unpopular policies ever. She’s asleep at the wheel while Oregon’s manufacturing craters and factories shutter—yet she and the Democrats in the Legislature continue to push tax hikes on Oregonians, like it will help fix Oregon’s economy. They are trying to jack up the cost of a hotel room by nearly doubling the lodging tax to pay for all sorts of “wildlife” programs, some of which are worthwhile, like helping farmers and ranchers deal with the devastating effect wolves are having on livestock. But the reality is, the state has the money for these things; they just want to keep the gravy train flowing for their ineffective policies and programs and stick you with the bill for programs that actually work.
For example, Portland has blown $1.4 billion from a new “homelessness tax" since 2020, yet the number of homeless people on the streets increased 61%. Now it seems like Portland officials are “finding” money everywhere. They recently unearthed $100M+ unspent taxpayer cash in the Housing Bureau while whistleblowers sue shelter operator Sunstone Way for lavish retreats, bloated contracts, and near-bankruptcy. This smells a lot like Minnesota...
Since Democrats can’t even spend all the money they are taking from you, they are coming up with creative ways to spend it by making it more expensive to build housing. Instead of streamlining building, permitting, and codes, Democrats have imposed prevailing wage requirements on "affordable housing" construction, often increasing costs by 10-20%. A Republican-backed effort, SB 1566, tries to create a carveout from prevailing wage for this kind of housing, but Democrats are blocking it.
Here are some highlights from the past week and helpful community information for you!
- Shelly
CAPITOL ACTION IN FULL SWING!
Dunn Carney Ag Summit
I was grateful for the opportunity to join Dunn Carney’s Ag Summit in Salem last week and participate in a thoughtful panel alongside Senator Bruce Starr, moderated by Oregon Farm Bureau Executive Director Greg Addington. |
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Our discussion centered on the key challenges facing Oregon agriculture as we prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session - including regulatory pressures, transportation funding, water policy, labor challenges, and rising operational costs. These discussions matter, because the decisions we make in Salem directly impact the families and businesses who grow and move Oregon’s agricultural products every day. And we need to keep Oregon producers competitive and family farms viable. |
It is also great seeing good friends, and connecting with producers from across the state - and especially meeting with impressive FFA youth leaders who represent the next generation of Oregon agriculture. Their leadership, professionalism, and passion for our industry give me great confidence in Oregon’s future. |
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Oregon Association of Nurseries
The Oregon Association of Nurseries represents one of the state’s largest agricultural sectors, with nursery and greenhouse production consistently ranking among Oregon’s top commodities in total production value. Beyond its economic impact, the industry supports thousands of family-wage jobs, drives international exports, and strengthens rural communities while contributing to environmental stewardship and landscape sustainability.
It’s always a treat to welcome OAN’s amazing people to the Capitol!
FFA in the House and Senate!
FFA is a dynamic youth leadership organization that ignites students’ passion for agriculture, natural resources, and the skilled trades through hands-on learning, real-world experience, and meaningful competition. It builds confident, capable young leaders - equipping them with the work ethic, public speaking skills, and civic commitment that strengthen communities across Oregon and beyond.
I am beyond proud of these young men & women and will do everything within my power to maintain state investment to Oregon’s premier leadership organization!
Thank you to the Perrydale FFA for saying “Hi!”
Wheat Growers of Oregon - Celebrating 100 Years
The Wheat Growers of Oregon represent a cornerstone of the state’s dryland farming economy, with wheat serving as one of Oregon’s leading export commodities and a critical contributor to global food supply chains. The industry sustains rural communities across Oregon, supports multigenerational family farms, and plays a key role in trade, transportation, and value-added agricultural markets.
Since 1926, the Oregon Wheat Growers League has served as the statewide voice of wheat producers. For almost a century, our members’ innovation and stewardship have shaped the future of Oregon agriculture, from sustainable practices to effective advocacy.
Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW)
Great meeting with leaders from the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) in my office. We discussed their legislative priorities, including their strong opposition to SB 1541's Climate Superfund, which will only make Oregon less competitive and a worse place for business and workers to thrive. It will impose extraordinary costs on businesses, raise costs for families, threaten jobs, and create economic uncertainty.
Standing together to protect Oregon workers, affordability, and our state's competitiveness! THANK YOU AWPPW!
Oregon Credit Unions
Oregon’s credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives that reinvest locally, expanding access to affordable lending, savings, and financial services in both urban and rural communities. They strengthen the state’s economy by supporting small businesses, first-time homebuyers, and working families while promoting financial literacy and long-term economic stability.
I loved seeing credit union representatives from HD-15 in the Capitol!
During the 2026 legislative session my office will continue to keep you updated and informed - and is always at your service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.
Talk soon,
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis
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